What Deena’s Loving: Inside Our Fashion & Beauty Director’s Summer Closet

Sunburn gets all the attention, but can we talk about sun-damaged lips? After a beach day, mine can feel dry, flaky and weirdly tender. This lip balm⁠ has become my go-to for bringing them back to life. It cushions lips with moisture, smooths rough patches and helps restore that soft, plush feel by morning.

For me, the ideal summer dress needs three things: a flattering silhouette, versatility and quality that holds up beyond one season. That’s exactly why I keep reaching for this J.Crew⁠ smocked midi dress. The fabric is light and breezy, with a comfortable feel that works for everything from brunch to vacation dinners. And it fits true to size, though if you want a slightly more streamlined look, you could consider sizing down.

NAD+ (short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is quickly becoming skincare’s favorite new acronym, and unlike some buzzy ingredients, this one has serious longevity appeal. Known for its role in cellular energy and repair, NAD+ helps maintain firm, resilient, healthy-looking skin over time. And when paired with collagen, like this serum, you’ll notice it tackles fine lines, texture and loss of elasticity. The texture also sinks in beautifully, leaving my skin looking radiant and just…more awake.

As someone who appreciates added height but has zero interest in suffering for it, I’m always looking for shoes that deliver both lift and actual comfort. That’s what makes this pair stand out. Designed by a podiatrist, they offer impressive cushioning for all-day wear, while the biomechanical footbed features contouring to provide arch support, reduce forefoot pressure and improve overall foot function. And because no one wants to slide around in cute shoes, the slip-resistant sole adds extra peace of mind.

As someone whose knees and upper back occasionally like to remind me they exist in the form of rough, dry patches, I know a thing or two about terrible body scrubs. But, VOESH sugar scrub⁠ is one of my few faves. For starters, I love that it brings K-beauty skincare philosophy to the body—because why should our faces get all the fancy treatment? The formula combines sugar, red bean and plant-derived AHA to buff away roughness and smooth texture, leaving my skin far less…ashy. And the Hinoki & Cedar scent is easily my go-to. It’s woody and smells like I’m sipping cucumber water in a very expensive spa.

I don’t typically gravitate toward bold sunglasses (especially red ones), but summer feels like the perfect time to loosen up and have a little fun with fashion. Between the checkered swimsuit, cover-up and statement shades, this look feels playful in the best way. Sometimes all it takes is one accessory to shake up your usual style rotation.

Some powders mattify so aggressively they make your skin look like drywall. Am I right? Not this one. Guerlain’s Météorites Compact sweeps on like a whisper, blending four tone-balancing shades into one veil that blurs and brightens. On skin, it melts rather than sits on top, so you get polish without chalkiness. The finish is matte (but the chic French kind, not the flat, lifeless kind.) And because it holds up against heat and humidity, you’ll actually want it in your beach bag for knocking down midday shine after multiple sunscreen reapplications. And the case? So pretty it’s borderline offensive.

If sunscreen had a cool older cousin who constantly has a sexy glow at the beach, it would be this stick from Shiseido. With SPF 60+, a completely clear finish and a formula that actually gets stronger with heat, sweat and water (yes, really), it’s built for the people who insist they’re just stepping outside for a second and somehow end up at brunch and a rooftop. Bonus: it glides on without white cast, weird residue or ruining your makeup, because no one wants to look chalky by noon.

When it’s scorching hot, the last thing I want to do is solve a fashion puzzle. If an outfit requires too much thought, I’m out. I’m reaching for pieces that feel light, breathable and easy to throw on while still giving I have taste. This combo checks every box. The linen keeps everything airy enough that I’m not sweating through my outfit by noon, the longer Bermuda shorts feel polished (but relaxed) and the sunglasses add just the right amount of sophistication.

Most swimsuits fall into one of two categories: practical or pretty. The Karen Millen⁠ Drama Frill Swimsuit somehow manages to be both, and then adds a little drama for good measure. The oversized frill detail brings movement, volume and just the right amount of oomph, making it feel far more elevated than your average one-piece. While the design is bold, it’s surprisingly wearable—something I think works beautifully across so many body types. It adds shape where you want it, proving that a swimsuit can be functional, flattering and a conversation piece.

If your skin has been feeling hot or a tad thirsty, Noble Panacea’s Hydrating Preparation Essence might be the reset button you need. This lightweight hydrogel delivers an instant cooling rush while drenching skin in hydration, leaving it bouncier and noticeably more radiant. I especially love that it preps skin beautifully for whatever comes next, so your entire routine hits a little harder. Simply apply to a cleansed face and neck before serum or moisturizer as the first step in your skincare routine.

I didn’t realize I needed a personal air conditioner until I met the Shark ChillPill. On brutally hot days, this thing feels like sweet relief. The 10 speed settings mean you can dial in exactly how much cooling power you need, from a subtle breeze to full-on wind tunnel. The dry-touch mist is a game changer, delivering a fine cooling mist that refreshes skin without leaving you sticky or messing up your makeup. And then there’s the cooling plate, which might be my favorite feature: Just press it against your neck, chest or wrists and it delivers instant icy relief, like holding an ice cube without the mess. It’s basically the grown-up version of sticking your face in the freezer.

I’ve reached a point in my life where I want my blush to do more than just…be pink. I want lift. I want dimension. I want people to wonder if I finally started drinking enough water. The Prada Beauty Touch Cream-to-Powder Blush starts as this silky cream that melts into skin like a second layer, then sets into a soft powder finish. It’s also very forgiving, so you don’t need makeup-artist-level precision or even your best brush day to make it work. Just tap, blend and suddenly your face has shape and softness.